Cambridge House facts for kids
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Cambridge House is a historic former large home in central London, England. It is located at 94 Piccadilly, in the fancy area of Mayfair. This building is so important that it is a Grade I listed building. As of 2021, it is being changed into a fancy hotel and seven private homes.
The house gets its current name from one of its past owners, Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge (1774–1850). He was the seventh son of King George III. But the house was first known as Egremont House and then Cholmondeley House. From about 1865 to 1999, it was home to the Naval and Military Club. People often called it the In and Out Club. This was because of clear signs for cars to enter and exit.
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Early History of Cambridge House
This grand house was built between 1756 and 1761. It was made for Charles Wyndham, 2nd Earl of Egremont (1710–1763). He was an important government official at the time. Because of him, the house was first called Egremont House. The building was designed by the architect Matthew Brettingham. It has a classic style, with three main floors, a basement, and attics.
The first floor was the most important. It had the tallest ceilings and many large rooms for parties and meetings. This special floor is even shown on the outside by a unique window in the middle.
Changes in Ownership and Name
Over the years, Cambridge House had several different owners. In the 1820s, George Cholmondeley, 1st Marquess of Cholmondeley lived there. So, for a while, it was known as Cholmondeley House.
From 1829 to 1850, Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge lived in the house. Because he was a royal, the name Cambridge House stuck. Once, Queen Victoria visited her uncle Adolphus at the house.
After the Duke of Cambridge passed away in 1850, Henry Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston bought the house. He was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom for much of the time between 1855 and 1865. Cambridge House became his London home. Many important social and political events happened there. When Palmerston died in 1865, his body was brought to Cambridge House. From there, his funeral procession went to Westminster Abbey.
Later that same year, Cambridge House was sold to the Naval and Military Club. The club needed a bigger place. The club became famous as the "In and Out" club. This was because of the large signs that directed traffic for cars entering and leaving the property. Famous members included T. E. Lawrence and Ian Fleming.
Recent History of the Building
In 1999, the Naval and Military Club moved to a new location. They had sold Cambridge House in 1996 for £50 million. The new owner planned to turn the building into a private club and hotel. He also wanted to build a swimming pool and squash courts underground. However, the building stayed empty after 1999. It started to fall apart, with plaster falling from the ceilings.
New Owners and Future Plans
In June 2010, Cambridge House and its nearby buildings were put up for sale. They were called the Piccadilly Estate. In June 2011, David and Simon Reuben bought the site. They paid about £130 million for it.
In October 2012, plans were submitted to completely fix up the buildings. The idea was to turn them into private homes and apartments. In April 2013, the Reuben brothers received approval to make Cambridge House into one very large home. It was thought it could become the most expensive home in the UK after being fixed up.
However, these plans changed again. A new idea was made to turn the property into the "Cambridge House Hotel and Residences." This project will include a five-star hotel and seven luxury homes with services. Work on this exciting project is currently being done by PDP London.
